Results Of Element Analysis Research Articles

A Multi-layer Parallelogram Flexure Architecture for Higher Out-of-Plane Load Bearing Stiffness

Abstract Parallelogram Flexure Mechanism (PFM) is a common flexure module which is widely used as a building block in the design and manufacturing of flexure-based XY motion stages that provide in-plane Degrees of Freedom (DoFs). In such motion stages, low in-plane stiffness along the DoF helps increase the DoF range of motion and reduce the actuation effort. At the same time, high out-of-plane stiffness is paramount to suppress out-of-plane parasitic motions, support heavy payloads and mitigate the negative impacts of out-of-plane resonant modes. Achieving both of these design objectives simultaneously is extremely challenging in PFMs and flexure mechanisms comprising PFMs due to the inherent tradeoff between the in-plane and out-of-plane stiffness. This paper resolves this tradeoff by proposing a novel multi-layer PFM architecture, referred to as the sandwich PFM, that achieves a significant improvement in the out-of-plane translational and rotational stiffness compared to conventional single-layer PFMs without impacting the in-plane DoF stiffness. Analytical models will be derived for the in-plane and out-of-plane stiffness of the sandwich PFM that closely match with the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results. Several design insights into the performance of the sandwich PFM are discussed using the analytical stiffness models and a general procedure is proposed to design a sandwich PFM.

Bio-inspired piezoelectric stick-slip actuation: Synergistic bridge-type and leveraged amplification mechanism via rowing-motion mimicry.

This paper presents the development of a new bionic piezoelectric stick-slip actuator (PSSA). This actuator is designed to simulate the human rowing motion. By synergizing a lever amplification structure with a bridge amplification mechanism, the design not only mimics the rowing motion, where the lever amplification structure acts like an oar and the bridge amplification mechanism resembles the force exerted by a person operating the oar, but also suppresses the problem of backward displacement in traditional PSSAs. Finite element analysis and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the design, with a peak velocity of 17.48 mm/s and a maximum load capacity of 55g. Comparative experiments have shown that the rowing-motion piezoelectric actuation mode outperforms the traditional PSSA mode, with a 16.8% increase in peak velocity and a 120% increase in load capacity. The innovative design has significant implications for the development of high-performance actuators.

Flexible pressure sensor based on CNTs/CB/PDMS sponge with porous and microdome structures for sitting posture discrimination

The application fields of flexible pressure sensors are constantly expanding benefiting from their characteristics of being lightweight, flexible, easy to install, etc. Various structures have been developed for the purpose of improving the sensing performances of these sensors. However, the traditional structure designs typically enhance only a single aspect of performance. In this study, a flexible pressure sensor based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/carbon black (CB)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) conductive sponge (CCPS) with both porous and microdome dual microstructures is prepared through the double template and swelling ultrasound methods. The introduction of two microstructures leads to the synergistic effect of dual sensing mechanisms, and the dual sensing mechanisms have been discussed according to the changes in microstructure morphology and finite element analysis results. Thanks to the synergistic effect of dual sensing mechanisms, CCPS exhibits comprehensive pressure sensing performances including a wide pressure sensing range of more than 350 kPa, high sensitivity under low pressure (7.10 kPa−1 over 0–25 kPa, 2.96 kPa−1 over 25–135 kPa, 1.09 kPa−1 over 135 kPa), and satisfactory long-term using performance of over 2000 cycles. CCPS is finally demonstrated for applications such as human motion detection, Morse code, and sitting position discrimination, indicating its broad application possibilities.

Acoustic Transmission Loss of a Cylindrical Silencer Filled with Multilayer Poroelastic Materials Based on Mode-Matching Method

The efficacy of silencers in reducing piping noise is contingent upon the specific installation and operating environment. Among the various forms of silencers, the acoustic characteristics of dissipative silencers with sound-absorbing materials attached internally exist in an area that is difficult to explain by existing theories. This is dependent upon the specific type and placement of the attached sound-absorbing materials. This paper presents a methodology for calculating the acoustic transmission loss (TL) of a cylindrical silencer filled with a multilayer poroelastic material, employing the mode-matching method. To describe the numerical process of treating waves propagating within a poroelastic material and determine the modes in accordance with the boundary conditions necessary for analyzing the acoustic performance of the silencer, the Biot model and the Johnson–Champoux–Allard–Lafarge model were employed. The obtained modes were utilized to calculate the acoustic TL of silencers filled with single, double, and triple layers of poroelastic materials. In particular, the results obtained for the single layer were validated by comparing them with the results of a finite element analysis, and the results obtained for multiple layers with the same material were validated by comparing them with the equivalent single-layer results. Moreover, the results of the numerical calculations of the acoustic TLs of the silencer for three distinct types of poroelastic materials, including those with varying degrees of frame rigidity or softness, were compared, and the acoustic characteristics were analyzed in relation to the intrinsic properties of the materials and their arrangement. It is anticipated that the methodology presented in this paper will facilitate the design of silencers using poroelastic materials in accordance with the specific requirements of users or designers by allowing for a comprehensive consideration of the thickness of layers and the arrangement of materials.

Investigation on the cyclic buckling and plastic overstrength characteristics of steel shear links utilizing corrugated panels

This paper established and validated the finite element model (FEM) for novel steel shear links utilizing corrugated panels (CSSL), analyzed the stress and strain distributions of CSSL, and summarized the buckling characteristics and determination criteria for CSSL. Utilizing the FEM, the influence of CSSL configuration parameters on its buckling deformation capacity and plastic overstrength characteristics were analyzed. The analysis results indicated that: the decrease in the corrugated panel's sub-panel slenderness a/tw could significantly improve the buckling deformation capacity of CSSL, but had little influence on pre-buckling plastic overstrength characteristics; the decrease in sub-panel aspect ratio h/a and web aspect ratio e/h, as well as the increase in web corrugation angle θ was beneficial for the buckling deformation capacity of CSSL, but might decrease the plastic overstrength characteristics; the decrease in the equivalent links length coefficient eVp/Mp and the increase in structural steel strain-hardening value α had a slight influence on the buckling deformation capacity, but could significantly improve the plastic overstrength characteristics. Based on the analysis result, a theoretical prediction approach for the buckling deformation capacity and plastic overstrength characteristics was proposed, and the load-deformation skeleton curve model was also established, which was validated to exhibit good accuracy with compassion to experimental and finite element analysis results.

Research on the Technology of a Compact Double-Layer Multispectral Filter-Wheel Mechanism Driven by a Single Motor

Spatial multispectral imaging technology can selectively image in specific spectral bands, and the filter wheel is a core component for multispectral selection. At present, there are relatively few types of spectral bands for the filter wheel under limited space/weight constraints. Addressing the challenges presented by this issue, this paper introduces an innovative design approach for the development of a double-layer or even multi-layer filter wheel that is operated by a solitary motor in conjunction with a differential gear mechanism, enabling a vast array of spectral segment combinations within a highly compact layout. A detailed design is implemented for the double-layer filter wheel, including comprehensive modal and dynamic analyses. The results of the modal analysis attested to the structural stability of the component, and the outcomes of the dynamic analysis validated the component’s timely and reliable switching capabilities. A prototype was meticulously crafted and subjected to rigorous testing. The switching functionality was validated during these tests, concurrently affirming the accuracy of the finite element analysis results. Additionally, spectral and application testing confirmed the number of spectral segments and the practical utility of the components. The research presented in this article introduces an innovative design concept for multispectral imaging filter-wheel mechanisms, providing a valuable reference and profound insights for the design and arrangement of a double-layer or even multi-layer filter wheel.

Study on the effects of aging on the pyrolysis of plastic and the synergistic mechanisms of co-pyrolysis with lignite

Co-pyrolysis of waste plastic with low-rank coal explored how photoaging impacts the pyrolysis of plastics and delves into the synergistic mechanisms involved in co-pyrolysis. The results of elemental analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that photoaging primarily involves oxidizing and breaking the aliphatic chains in polyethylene (PE), as well as generating oxygen-containing functional groups like hydroxyl (-OH), carbonyl (-C=O), and ether (-C-O), thereby reducing the crystallinity of PE. The results of individual plastic pyrolysis showed that photoaging is beneficial to the generation of gas and tar. Pyrolysis tar of PE samples contains significant amounts of alcohols, and olefins and alkynes (O&As). The results of co-pyrolysis indicated that photoaging can enhance the yields of gas and oil from the co-pyrolysis between PE and Naomaohu (NMH) coal. Co-pyrolysis effectively reduced the relative content of O&As in the tar from the pyrolysis of PE samples alone by 8.0%–29.0 %. The synergistic mechanism of co-pyrolysis between aged PE and NMH involved supplying a significant quantity of hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals by NMH, which react with alkyl radicals generated from PE pyrolysis, leading to the production of additional alkanes and alcohols. These findings offered new insights for a deeper understanding of the co-pyrolysis behaviors between waste plastic and lignite.

Assessing running safety of high-speed trains on long-span cable-stayed bridges based on in-situ monitoring data

This paper presents a new method for assessing the running safety of high-speed trains passing through long-span cable-stayed bridges based on in-situ monitoring data. The monitoring data include the girder vertical deflection and girder-end rotation of bridges. Vertical deformation is utilized to derive the vertical acceleration formula of high-speed trains, and girder-end rotation is utilized to judge the arrival time of the train. According to the specified vertical acceleration limit of the train, the vertical deflection threshold of the bridge is derived from the vertical acceleration formula. The first derivative of the sinusoidal half-wave function of the side-span is utilized to obtain the girder-end rotation threshold, and the safety threshold system is established. The bridge deformation safety threshold system is then used to assess the running safety of the bridge. To verify the presented method, the bridge deformation thresholds calculated using the proposed method are compared with finite element analysis results. The proposed method avoids complex train-bridge coupling numerical simulation in acquiring the dynamic response of high-speed trains, largely improving computation efficiency and enabling real-time assessment of train safety.

Impact of PM2.5 filter extraction solvent on oxidative potential and chemical analysis

ABSTRACT Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is hypothesized to induce oxidative stress, and has been linked to acute and chronic adverse health effects. To better understand the risks and underlying mechanisms following exposure, PM2.5 is collected onto filters but prior to toxicological analysis, particles must be removed from filters. There is no standard method for filter extraction, which creates the possibility that the methods of extraction selected can alter the chemical composition and ultimately the biological implications. In this study, comparisons were made between extraction solvents (methanol (MeOH), dichloromethane (DCM), 0.9% saline, and Milli-Q water) and the results of oxidative potential and elemental concentration analysis of PM2.5 collected across sites in Arkansas, USA. Significant differences were observed between solvents, with DCM having significantly different results compared to all other extraction solvents (p ≤ 0.001). Significant correlations between element, black carbon, and PM2.5 concentrations and oxidative potential were observed. The observed correlations were extraction solvent dependent. For example, in saline extracted samples, oxidative potential had significant negative correlations with: Ba, Cd, Ce, Co, Ga, Mn and significant positive correlations with: Cr, Ni, Th, U. While in MeOH extracted samples, significant positive correlations were only between oxidative potential and Ga, U and significant negative correlations with V. This indicates that PM2.5 samples extracted with different solvents will yield different conclusions about the causal components. This study highlights the importance of filter extraction methods in interpretation of oxidative potential results and comparisons between studies. Implications: While there is no standard method for PM2.5 filter extraction, variation of extraction methods impact analytical results. This project identifies that extraction method variation, particularly extraction solvent selection, leads to discrepancies in chemical and toxicological analysis for PM2.5 collected on the same filter. This work highlights the need for methods standardization to support accurate comparisons between PM2.5 research studies, thus providing better understanding of PM2.5 across the globe.

High temperature sand erosion failure mechanism of ceramic/metal multilayer coating

This paper investigates the high-temperature erosion mechanism of TiAlN/TiAl ceramic/metal multilayer coating within the temperature range of 200 °C to 500 °C. The phase and element analysis results indicate that c-TiAlN is stable under 200°C∼500°C. The elastic modulus and hardness of TiAlN/TiAl are 230 GPa and 26.7 GPa at 200 °C. When the temperature increases to 300 °C and higher, the elastic modulus and hardness rise to 295.7 GPa and 30.5 GPa. However, the hardness and elastic modulus of TiAl coating increase from 11 GPa and 120 GPa at 200°C to 24 GPa and 260 GPa at 500°C. High-temperature sand erosion test results reveal a trend in erosion rate for the TiAlN/TiAl multilayer coating, initially increasing and then decreasing with temperature elevation. The highest erosion rate, reaching 0.6×10-3 mm3·g-1, occurs at 300 °C. Failure analysis of sand erosion indicates longitudinal cracking propagation downwards at high temperatures, merging with transverse cracks, leading to a delamination failure mode layer by layer. However, with the temperature elevation from 300 °C to 400 °C, transverse cracks shift from the interfacial layer to the TiAl layer within the TiAlN/TiAl multilayer coating. Finite element analysis demonstrates that the hardness and elastic modulus of the TiAl layer increase, leading to increased stress on the TiAl layer of the TiAlN/TiAl multilayer coating, resulting in TiAl cracking.

A burst capacity model for pipelines containing pinhole-in-corrosion defects

This study develops a practical burst capacity model for oil and gas pipelines containing pinhole-in-corrosion (PIC) defects based on results of extensive parametric three-dimensional finite element analyses (FEA) that are validated by full-scale burst tests of corroded pipe specimens reported in the literature. The PIC defect considered in this study contains a cylindrical-shaped pinhole located inside a cuboidal-shaped general corrosion. The proposed model takes the form of the well-known PCORRC model for the burst capacity of the general corrosion plus a correction term taking into account the impact of the pinhole, whereby the correction term is evaluated as a function of the depth and length of the general corrosion as well as the depth and relative position of the pinhole using the Gaussian process regression based on the results of parametric FEA. The accuracy of the proposed PIC model is demonstrated using 16 FEA cases and shown to be higher than that of the well-known RSTRENG model and a burst capacity model for complex-shaped corrosion defects reported in the recent literature.

Line Scanning Thermography for Rail Base Defect Detection

Rail base defects present significant maintenance challenges within the railway industry, as they are difficult to detect before they lead to failure. While various in-motion nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods exist for inspecting rail, none of the existing NDE methods can inspect the rail base area reliably and efficiently. This paper presents finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental results applying a line scanning thermography (LST) approach developed for rail base area inspection. This work demonstrates the LST approach for dynamic inspection of thick steel components containing surface and subsurface anomalies. Initially, FEA was used to help design the experimental setup, then to compare trends in surface temperature variations with those from experimental trials. Through motorized testing, test specimens were moved through a region heated by three stationary line heaters, utilizing LST to capture temperature variations on the surface of each sample. The results have shown that subsurface features 6.3 mm in diameter and with aspect ratios greater than 1.5 were detectable in all specimens. This is a promising development that warrants further study.

Dynamic optimization design of thin plate structure based on surrogate model

Abstract To enhance dynamic optimization efficiency in traditional thin plate structures, surrogate models are integrated for structural dynamic size optimization, reducing dependence on high-precision finite element simulations. This paper focuses on optimizing the aluminum alloy sheet as the subject of research. The parameters of the specimen are optimized through sensitivity analysis, based on the comparison between the free mode Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) results. The modified specimen undergoes validation under a four-edge clamped boundary condition. Subsequently, random vibration analysis is conducted to determine the root mean square (RMS) value of the acceleration response. Employing surrogate model technology, four models are constructed using parametric modeling and experimental design methods. These models are then compared for their fitting effectiveness. The results indicate that the RBF model exhibits the highest accuracy in fitting each response, effectively replacing dynamic simulation. Finally, the RBF combined with the NSGA-II method, optimizes the specimen’s structural size, resulting in a 21.6% reduction in mass and an 18.60% decrease in acceleration response. These outcomes demonstrate satisfactory optimization results, ensuring accuracy while enhancing the dynamic characteristics of the specimen structure. This research offers valuable insights for related engineering applications.

Numerical study on the effects of alloying variations on the crushing behaviour of an aluminium profile

The effects of variations in the chemical composition of an aluminium alloy AA6005 on the axial crushing and bending behaviour of a double chamber extruded profile are investigated by shell-based finite element analyses. A novel sequential modelling method, including nanostructure modelling, virtual tensile testing and localisation analyses, is used to determine the yield strength, work-hardening, and ductility of several variants of the AA6005 alloy. The data obtained from the models are used to calibrate the parameters of an isotropic elastic–plastic constitutive model and an uncoupled damage criterion. Explicit finite element analyses of axial crushing and three-point bending of the double chamber extruded profile are conducted for all variants of the AA6005 alloy in temper T6. By comparing the results of the finite element analyses with existing experimental data, the results reveal how variations in the chemical composition significantly influence the structural integrity of the extruded aluminium profile in axial crushing and bending.

Structural behaviour of built-up I-shaped CFS columns

The utilization of cold-formed thin-walled members as structural members has gained significant popularity due to their advantages in fabrication, cost-effectiveness, and transportation convenience. However, the reduced thickness of the used sections poses challenges such as global, local, and distortional member buckling, leading to a decrease in their axial strength. This study focuses on addressing these challenges by connecting the channels together using screws as an alternative to welding, considering the cost, time, and ease of implementation. Conducting finite element analysis on structural columns built-up from cold-formed double C steel channels and subjected to axial loads, this paper verifies the numerical models used against experimental tests known from the literature. A comparison of experimental results with nonlinear FEA and AISI & AS/NZ standards reveals commendable agreement, particularly in predicting the buckling behavior of the built-up I-shaped CFS columns. While the results of the finite element analysis show an overestimation of approximately 3.6% compared to the experimental tests, the AISI and AS/NZS standards demonstrate a conservatism of about 3.0%. Furthermore, the current study investigates the influence of screw spacing on axial strength of built-up cold-formed steel columns. The findings are derived from 175 finite element experiments, evaluating seven different cross-sectional profiles with twelve distinct screw spacings. These spacings correspond to the half-wavelength of local, distortional, and global buckling, divided by values ranging from one to four. The screw spacing determined by half the local buckling half-wavelength along the webs’ centerline resulted in enhancements of 22%, 7%, 13%, and 11% in the critical elastic local, distortional, and global column buckling loads, as well as the nominal axial strength, respectively. These increases were even more pronounced for double-lane fasteners with the same spacing, yielding improvements of 25%, 46%, 17%, and 12%, respectively. For economic considerations, it is advisable to utilize single-lane fasteners with a half-wavelength equal to half the local buckling half-wavelength.

Wireless vibration testing and bridge deck damage identification using underneath maintenance walkway

Bridges will inevitably experience structural damage during long-term operation, which will decrease their structural load bearing capacity and durability. The vibration characteristics of bridge structures can be used as evaluation indicators for accurately diagnosing their deterioration. This study aimed at developing a vibration testing method for identifying bridge deck damage that does not affect traffic and is easy to implement. The vibration tests on the in-service bridge revealed it was mainly subjected to vertical vibrations, with the accelerations in the vertical direction about twice those in the horizontal direction. Based on fast Fourier transform analysis, the dominant vertical vibration frequencies were 2.34 Hz, 4.10 Hz, 10.30 Hz, 14.45 Hz and 18.75 Hz. A series of 0.1–0.3 Hz bandpass filters were used with those frequencies at the centers for modal analysis. The experimental results were then compared to the finite element analysis results. This study proposed a vibration-based damage identification method based on the differences between the bridge deck and both main steel girders. The study confirmed the convenience and effectiveness of using underneath maintenance walkways for wireless vibration testing.

Axial compressive properties of round bamboo-fiber reinforced phosphogypsum composite short columns

Bamboo is an ideal green building material with excellent mechanical properties. Phosphogypsum (PG) is a kind of solid waste residue which is in urgent need of resource utilization and has been used as construction material. In this paper, a kind of round bamboo-fiber reinforced phosphogypsum composite short column was proposed. Axial compression tests of pure bamboo columns, bamboo columns filled with phosphogypsum inside, bamboo columns with phosphogypsum outside and bamboo columns with phosphogypsum inside and outside were carried out to explore the failure mode and mechanical properties of the short columns. The effects of the parameters include bamboo node, hose hoops, size of the bamboo tube and the strength of phosphogypsum on the mechanical properties of the short columns were analyzed, and the theoretical calculation method of the bearing capacity of the short columns was put forward. The results show that the bamboo nodes and hose hoops can improve the bearing capacity, initial stiffness and ductility of the column. The larger the size of the bamboo tube, the better the mechanical properties of the short column. The bearing capacity of round bamboo—phosphogypsum composite short column is higher than that of pure bamboo column. The ductility of bamboo columns with phosphogypsum outside is obviously higher than that of pure bamboo columns. The finite element analysis results are in good agreement with the test results. The theoretical calculation method of the bearing capacity of columns considering the strength reduction coefficient, the bamboo node effect coefficient and the constraint effect in this paper has high accuracy.

Finite element analysis of rockfall impact on pipelines with different erosion resistant coatings

In this paper, the finite element analysis method is used to extensively study the response of rockfall impact on pipelines with different erosion resistant coating. Based on the numerical results, the safety of the pipeline is comprehensively evaluated. Firstly, through the establishment of detailed pipeline and rockfall models, the impact of different rockfall materials and speeds on the pipeline is simulated. The results of the finite element analysis indicate that rockfall impact can cause significant stress concentration and deformation in the pipelines and damage to the coating. With the increment of impact speed, the damage to the pipeline also increases significantly, and different rockfall materials exhibit varying damage conditions, and it is found that fibreglass reinforced epoxy is better than the polyethylene coating. By comparing the analysis results under different conditions, the safety threshold of the pipeline under various rockfall impact scenarios is obtained. This provides an important theoretical basis and reference for the protection design and safety maintenance of the pipeline. The research in this paper not only aids in deepening the understanding of the mechanism of rockfall impact on pipelines but also serves as a valuable reference for improving the safety and reliability of pipeline engineering.

Single missing molar with wide mesiodistal length restored using a single or double implant-supported crown: A self-controlled case report and 3D finite element analysis.

Based on a self-controlled case, this study evaluated the finite element analysis (FEA) results of a single missing molar with wide mesiodistal length (MDL) restored by a single or double implant-supported crown. A case of a missing bilateral mandibular first molar with wide MDL was restored using a single or double implant-supported crown. The implant survival and peri-implant bone were compared. FEA was conducted in coordination with the case using eight models with different MDLs (12, 13, 14, and 15 mm). Von Mises stress was calculated in the FEA to evaluate the biomechanical responses of the implants under increasing vertical and lateral loading, including the stress values of the implant, abutment, screw, crown, and cortical bone. The restorations on the left and right sides supported by double implants have been used for 6 and 12 years, respectively, and so far have shown excellent osseointegration radiographically.The von Mises stress calculated in the FEA showed that when the MDL was >14 mm, both the bone and prosthetic components bore more stress in the single implant-supported strategy. The strength was 188.62-201.37 MPa and 201.85-215.9 MPa when the MDL was 14 mm and 15 mm, respectively, which significantly exceeded the allowable yield stress (180 MPa). Compared with the single implant-supported crown, the double implant-supported crown reduced peri-implant bone stress and produced a more appropriate stress transfer model at the implant-bone interface when the MDL of the single missing molar was ≥14 mm.

Experimental and numerical investigation of novel triangular headed one-sided bolted T-stub connections

The reliable one-sided bolts constitute a vital component of fully bolted joints in demountable steel structures. In this study, an innovative triangular headed one-sided bolt (THOB) based on the traditional hexagon headed bolt (HHB) was proposed, and the tensile performance of T-stubs using the THOBs has been investigated through experimental and numerical approaches. Monotonic tensile tests were performed on 25 THOB bolted T-stubs to analyze the failure modes and load-carrying performance of the specimens. The test results disclosed that, beyond the three typical failure modes stipulated in the Eurocode 3, the specimens exhibited a characteristic failure mode, namely, limit groove pull-off failure. Finite element models, validated by the test results, were employed for the parametric analysis to compare the load-carrying performance of THOB bolted T-stubs with that of HHB bolted T-stubs. The finite element analysis results indicated that the average ratio of the plastic load-carrying capacity of THOB bolted T-stubs to HHB bolted T-stubs was close to 0.88. Furthermore, the load-carrying capacity of THOB bolted T-stubs was evaluated using existing specifications for comparison with the experimental and numerical results, and Eurocode 3 calculations for the plastic load-carrying capacities of THOB bolted T-stubs demonstrated a commendable level of precision. Finally design recommendations were put forward based on the test and finite element analysis results.